Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra: The Small Fast Resin Printer for Miniatures
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The Mars 5 Ultra is a 7-inch 9K MSLA resin printer: 153.36 × 77.76 × 165 mm, 18 × 18 µm pixels, tilt release for up to 150 mm/h, auto levelling and a camera. It is the right first resin printer for miniatures and small detailed models. Its only real limit is the plate: anything over about 150 mm, or a full batch of 28 mm figures, wants the Saturn 4 Ultra.
Uncured resin is a skin and respiratory irritant. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection, ventilate the room or vent the printer outdoors, wash parts in IPA in a covered container, and fully cure before handling. Never pour resin or IPA wash down a drain.
Where to buy
Specifications
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 153.36 × 77.76 × 165 mm | |
| LCD | 7-inch 9K mono | 18 × 18 µm pixels |
| Release | Tilt release | Up to 150 mm/h |
| Levelling | Auto | Mechanical sensor |
| Camera | Yes | Monitoring and timelapse |
| Light source | COB + Fresnel, 405 nm | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
Mars 5 Ultra or Saturn 4 Ultra
| Spec | Mars 5 Ultra | Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 153.36 × 77.76 × 165 mm | 218.88 × 122.88 × 220 mm |
| XY pixel | 18 × 18 µm | 19 × 24 µm |
| Screen | 7-inch 9K | 10-inch 12K |
| Speed | 150 mm/h | 150 mm/h |
| Resin per fill | Less | More |
| Footprint | Small | Medium |
Pixel size is close, so detail is equivalent. The Saturn plate holds about twice the models per run, which matters for armies and production; the Mars is cheaper, smaller and uses less resin per vat fill. See the Saturn 4 Ultra page.
What a first resin setup needs
The printer is the smallest cost. Add a wash and cure station, IPA or water-washable resin, nitrile gloves, paper towels, a silicone mat and ventilation. Read resin vs filament first if you are unsure resin is the right process for your parts; resin is for detail, not for strength or size.
The units in the box
The listings are the Mars 5 Ultra, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 as the rival 7-inch printer and the Saturn 4 Ultra as the larger step.
FAQ
Can the Mars 5 Ultra print a 28 mm army? In batches of a few dozen at a time; the Saturn is faster for volume.
Is 9K on 7 inches sharper than 12K on 10 inches? Slightly, at 18 versus 19 × 24 µm; not visibly after paint.
LayerWalker
Print defect diagnosis, calibration procedures and parts that actually fit. Corrections welcome through the contact page.
